Funeral of David Dyches

Uncle Dave died suddenly on the 14th of April, 2008. He had been living in an assisted living home in Midvale, Utah for the past year and seemed to be doing just fine. But he deeply missed his beloved "Peg" and had lived a wonderful 86 years. We certainly will miss his wit, his kindness, his love and devotion to his immediate and extended family. Judy absorbed the major responsibility of overseeing his daily care and welfare and did such a wonderful job. Today, the 23rd of April, we attended the funeral service held in his old ward, the Richfield 7th Ward, and his internment was next to "Peg" in the Monroe Cemetery. We wish you could have heard the wonderful tributes by his two children, Judy and Mark, and grandchildren Marcee and John. They were all wonderful and highlighted what a character Uncle Dave was! But the highlight of the program was listening to Mark play a musical tribute to his father. Mark is such a gifted pianist and he played a melody of hymns and Hawaiian music that was just spectacular and evoked such emotion. When Mark plays he never disappoints. It was wonderful to visit with the many family members that came from far and near to attend and it was a fitting tribute to this good man.

For some time Pam has been experiencing pain in the toes of her right foot. It came from a bunion and finally was something she needed to address. Doctor Smith, from Monroe, examined and diagnosed the problem and recommended an operation to correct the splaying of the big and next toe. There were three parts: correction of a bunion, revision of the big oe, and removal of sesamoid bone (a bone embedded within a tendon). The 18th of April was the day for the operation and I skipped school to accompany Pam to the hospital at 11:00 am. She checked in at surgery admitting and paid the co-pay then we proceeded to an adjacent waiting room. About fifteen minutes later a surgical nurse, came in and took us to a room where Pam changed into a surgical gown and then we spent the next half an hour going over paper-work with the nurse, then an anesthetist and finally Doctor Smith. At 12:15 pm I said goodbye to Pam and she was wheeled away to the operating room. The surgery took about 2 hours and I didn't see her again until 3:30 pm. She was smiling and talkative and the only indication she had been in surgery was a boot on her right foot. A nurse gave us a detailed list of post-operative instructions about the care of the foot and medications, etc., and then she was wheeled to the front entrance where we loaded her into the van. Pam could walk – sort of, but needed to be very careful. The walking boot kept her foot rigid and she could shuffle along flat footed. She was starving so we drove through the drive-through at Arby’s and got a sandwich and drink. After filling two prescriptions we came home. Aunt Win and Erin and Kate were home when we arrived and we got Pam situated in bed and located some extra pillows to raise her foot above her heart. Surprisingly Pam spent a very good night and today (Saturday) she has been fairly pain free and I think a little tired of laying with her foot elevated. She will have to do this for several more days and then she can began to move about more. We will keep you advised.

Regional Women's Conference

Well the day has finally come and gone and it was a smashing success! "Joy in the Journey", the title of the Women's Conference took place yesterday and it was a beautiful, cloud free day. When we arrived at the Sevier Event's Center at 9:15 am people were arriving from all over. Initially it was just the hostesses and those who would present and help out, but soon women of all ages began arriving. I had the best job of all and drove a golf cart from the parking lot to the doors dropping off anyone who would ride with me. Pam was busy from the moment she arrived, but the prior preparation really produced a wonderful product. Sister Thompson from the Relief Society General Board arrived 10 minutes prior to 10:00 am and I'm sure Pam breathed a huge breath of relief. We think they had over 700 in attendance and I can attest that most of them stayed until the end, which was 3:30 pm. Pam and her counselors had this brain child last year and once they took a bite into the apple there was no going back. A wonderful chairman was called who really fulfilled their ideas and plans. After the opening session in which Sister Thompson spoke, the women moved out into 14 different life-changing seminars in which wonderful qualified presenters did their thing. As I drove women back to their cars in the afternoon, everyone commented on how good it was and they couldn't wait for another such event in Sevier County. Pretty good endorsement, huh?

Can you teach old dogs new tricks?

Well everyone in the family seems to have one, so maybe we can add our two cents also. We are here in Monroe watching the afternoon session of sunday conference and have been overwhelmed by the beautiful messages and challenges to live our lives better. It always amazes me how the transitions in the church take place so seamlessly. As I watched President Monson speak last night in the priesthood session I felt the spirit whisper to my heart that he was the Lord's choice. What a magnificent talk. This morning's talk was no less significant. Hope you felt the same.

Good moment a few weeks ago when Cynthia and Erin were home for a few days. I'm sure they were discussing world politics!